Triadic Color Scheme: What Is It And How Is It Used?

A triadic color scheme uses three-spaced colors on the color wheel. Red, yellow, and blue are three primary colors forming a triadic color scheme. Analogous colors (those next to each other on the color wheel) create a calming effect, while triadic colors are more vibrant.

Triardic color scheme

Triadic Color Scheme in Photography

Creating balance is crucial when using a triadic color scheme in photography. One color is dominant, while the other two are complementary. Examples of the triadic color scheme include:

Landscape Photography

A triadic color scheme highlights the natural beauty of a landscape in an image. Landscape photography requires using vibrant colors opposite each other on the color wheel.

For instance, taking a photo of a mountain requires these colors: orange, green, and purple. It captures the orange of the autumn leaves and the green grass. Purple highlights the distant mountains in landscape photography.

Portrait Photography

Primary and secondary colors in a triadic color scheme create a striking portrait. Using primary colors–red, blue, and yellow–draws the viewer’s attention to the subject’s face. Imagine capturing a person in a red shirt against a blue wall with yellow flowers in the background.

Product Photography

A triadic color scheme can capture the essence of a product. There are several variations to experiment with during a product photoshoot. Choose two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel for a complementary color palette.

Triadic Color Ccheme In Interior Design

A triadic color scheme is easier to understand than it may sound. Instead of grouping three or more colors that neighbor each other on the color wheel, you’ll be taking three colors that are equally spaced and decorating your space with these contrasting shades. 


Violet, Orange & Green

Violet, Orange & Green

Contemporary in overall design but unique and refreshing in the colors chosen, you can see how the tones complement and play contrasting roles in this living room.


Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green & Red-Violet

Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green & Red-Violet

The color combination creates femininity and a beautiful mix of colors that pop with personality against the neutral cream foundation.


Red, Yellow & Blue

Red, Yellow & Blue

This living room is full of interest and eclectic appeal, and the unique color pairings are one of the more transformative additions. Without the bright colors, this room would be a cluttered and chaotic mess.


Violet, Orange & Green

Violet, Orange & Green

Traditional and cozy add value to this living room, but the wonderful color selection turns it up a notch and creates a very personal twist on a classic home style.


Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green & Red-Violet

Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green & Red-Violet

Here are richer examples of the “in-between” shades on the color wheel. And it’s also a wonderful example of how triadic color schemes can transform a classic room.


Blue-Violet, Yellow-Green & Red-Orange

Blue-Violet, Yellow-Green & Red-Orange

For a quirky take on an ultra-contemporary dining room, take a good peek at this gorgeous set-up. It’s unique and vibrant without being too kitschy or harsh on the eyes.


Red, Yellow & Blue

Red, Yellow & Blue

Vivacious, refreshing, and clean, this color combination sets the tone for a kid’s room. The little ones love the vibrancy and powerful look.


Triadic Color Scheme in Art and Design

The triadic color scheme is notable in paintings, fashion, graphics, and interior design. A triadic color scheme of blue, yellow, and red creates an appealing composition. Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” uses this scheme to capture the essence of the night sky.

In graphic design, triadic color schemes are typical in branding and advertising. Start by choosing one dominant color, which should be the primary color in the design. Next, pick two complementary colors to add interest and balance.

If blue is the dominant color, yellow and red may be suitable accent colors. Triadic color schemes are also ideal for website designs. You could use blue as the website’s background. Add yellow and red as accent colors for buttons, text, and other elements.


Tools and Resources for Creating a Triadic Color Scheme

Various ways exist to create a triadic color scheme depending on your design preferences.

Color Wheel

Designers use the color wheel to understand color relationships. The color wheel is a circular diagram of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It’s best to visualize the relationship between colors and how they appear when they mix. Creating a triadic color scheme entails learning the best practices of the color wheel.

Color Theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact to create visual harmony. It lays out handy principles while creating a triadic color scheme. Aside from color harmony, contrast and temperature play a role in designing a triadic color scheme.

Color Palette Generators

Color palette generators help designers create a vibrant triadic color scheme. They input a base color and a set of evenly spaced colors on the wheel. Some popular color palette generators include Adobe Color, Coolors, and Canva. These tools also help users adjust the brightness and saturation of colors.

Color Picker

A color picker allows a designer to choose a specific color from a web page or image. Designers can pick a color from an existing design to form a triadic color scheme. Some of the standard online color picker tools are ColorZilla and Eye Dropper.

Design Software

Design software such as InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator help create a triadic color scheme. These tools are helpful for designers looking to create custom color palettes. They create mockups and designs that suit a specific color scheme.


How to Tone Down Triadic Colors

Sometimes, a triadic color combination gets too bold for certain designs. Here are tips for toning down triadic colors.

  • Use Neutral Colors: Black, gray, or white are neutral colors that help balance out the bold effect of triadic colors. Adding white to an RBY color scheme creates a pastel version of the colors.
  • Consider a Muted Color Palette: Mute colors are dull and less saturated. They help create a subtle color scheme. A muted color palette introduces sophistication and a subdued effect to triadic colors.
  • Work With Analogous Colors: Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, you can mix them with triadic colors to form balance and harmony in a color scheme.
  • Use Textures and Patterns: Texture disperses solid color blocks, while pattern adds interest. Using textures and patterns introduces complementary colors to the triadic color scheme.
  • Add Shades and Tints: Adding black to a color creates a shade, while white brings a tint effect. Using shades and tints softens the boldness of triadic color schemes.